Troy Deeney: 'The minimum requirement is for the players to look like they give a ****'

Troy Deeney is renowned for his honest views and he didn’t pull any punches when he was asked about the Hornets’ end to the 2013/14 season.

“You can take losing three games if you put the right effort in and apply yourselves,” Deeney said before the players left for their summer break.

“We didn’t look like we would win any of those [final three] games from the start to be honest. We’ve taken the lead at Derby with probably our first and last meaningful shot of the first half and then we had a player sent off.

“We’ve had another sending off at Charlton which didn’t help but even in that game we didn’t have many chances.

“There are ways to win and lose games and the minimum requirement that fans ask for is for the players to work hard and look like they give a **** to be honest.”

“You can’t blame the training or the coaches,” Deeney responded when asked for the reasons for the terrible showings against Derby County, Charlton Atheltic and Huddersfield Town. “Each person has got to look at themselves and ask if they did enough. Judging by the results nobody did.

“The manager can speak to you nicely or shout at you depending on your character but if you don’t perform for him then you’ve got to question yourself as a footballer.

“The last game [4-1 defeat at home to Huddersfield] was a joke to be honest. It’s a shame for the two young lads who came in [Alex Jakubiak and Josh Doherty]. They’ve had their debut tarnished as people were booing because of how bad it was.”

The 2-1 defeat at Queens Park Rangers in the fourth last game of the campaign was one of the Golden Boys’ best performances of the season but it ended the team’s play-off chances.

There was a sense that some of the players didn’t care enough in the final three games and Deeney said: “I do get frustrated because people have spent good money to watch.

“Whether we gripe about how much people get paid, the basics are that we’ve all got bills to pay. So if someone is spending £100 to take their family to a game, I understand why they want to watch players who look like they care.

“So I understand why they can be frustrated but, on the whole, a lot of people stayed at the end [of the Huddersfield match] and that’s why the lads gave a lot of their stuff away. We do appreciate the support.”

Head coach Beppe Sannino questioned the team’s passion and commitment following the 4-2 defeat at Derby and 3-1 loss to Charlton.

Deeney believes that was “a generalisation” but did accept it was difficult for the Hornets boss to take.

He said: “Again, I can only speak for myself and I do what I need to do. I’ll keep running and I’ve been captain so you try to lead from the front, you keep working and keep on putting the effort in. Saying that I was captain when we had our three worst performances. So I’m probably out of the running for that next season,” the striker joked.

Watford were agonisingly close to securing automatic promotion at the end of the 2012/13 season and then reached the play-off final, losing in extra-time to Crystal Palace.

The Hornets started this season well, only losing once in their first nine Championship games. But a terrible run of form ended Gianfranco Zola’s reign in December and he was replaced by Sannino.

The experienced coach provided immediate stability and appeared to be improving his side in the attacking third as time went on. But four consecutive defeats meant the Golden Boys finished the campaign in 13th, 12 points below the play-offs.

Deeney spoke to the Watford Observer three weeks ago, before QPR had secured their promotion via the play-offs.

This week the Football League released statistics which showed Leicester City and Burnley – the two teams automatically promoted – used the fewest players in the Championship over the course of the season, with 23. Watford used the fourth most with 38.

Deeney recognised Leicester and Burnley’s stability when he was asked what went wrong this season.

“If I knew that I’d probably own the club,” Deeney initially responded. But then added: “If you look at the teams that have been promoted, their squad is settled, consistent and they have a clear idea of where they are going.

“It changes with different managers but everyone wants to get to the same goal, it’s just how you get there.

“With Burnley they are going to work harder than their opponents, be resolute and then look to score. To beat them you need to match that.

“Leicester have got a really good squad and were in the play-offs last season. Not much has changed since then but I think it’s helped them because they’ve been through the adversity and want to kick on.

“Their managers also have to take credit for what they’ve achieved this season but hopefully we can do that next year if we can keep a settled side.”

Last summer John Eustace and Jonathan Hogg departed the club, Fitz Hall wasn’t initially given a contract and Nyron Nosworthy was still injured.

During the course of the campaign, senior members of staff at Watford acknowledged the team lacked Championship know-how this time around.

Deeney said: “I think everybody agrees with that. I think if you can keep this group together next year and supplement it then it will stand the club in good stead.”

Noises from the club suggest that will be the case. Watford are hoping to keep the core of the squad together and have already signed players who have experience of playing in England; in Heurelho Gomes, Gabriel Tamas and Leicester’s Lloyd Dyer, whose arrival has yet to be confirmed. The club remain confident they can sign Daniel Tozser and are targeting the likes of former striker Danny Graham and Stevenage’s Luke Freeman.

Deeney was asked if he hoped the club would sign more British players. He replied: “This will sound stupid but it’s basically common sense; you’ve got to look carefully at who you bring in.

“The people who stood out last year were Eustacy, Hoggy, Fitz to an extent and Nyron but he wasn’t involved as much because of injury.

“They are people that know the league, they know the English culture and what needs to be done to win matches.

“If you sign up someone like a Chris Eagles, who is a good flair player, but he isn’t what we really need. We need leadership in both the dressing room on and off the pitch, that’s my opinion on it.”

Deeney was signed by Malky Mackay in 2010 and turned his Watford career around under the guidance of Sean Dyche.

Mackay and Dyche’s teams consisted of predominantly British and Irish players and prided themselves on having strong team unity.

The Pozzos’ takeover in 2012 has resulted in an influx of foreign imports, many of whom would have been too expensive for the club in previous seasons.

Deeney does not have an issue with the addition of foreign players. He said: “I’m quite open about it to be honest. If you look at teams in the Premier League, there are not loads of English-based players in each team.

“Southampton are getting a lot of praise at the moment for the amount of young English talent coming through but I think it’s just a sign of the times because everyone wants the best players available. Whether you’re English, Spanish or Nigerian, it doesn’t matter as long as you do the job on the pitch.

“Under Malky and Dychey there were different working restraints so we didn’t have 30 or 40 people around. In my first year I think there were 26 players signed and then there were a few loans. They knew things like paint balling days were needed to keep team morale together because that’s all they had to work with.”

Deeney also rejected any suggestion there were divisions in the squad, explaining: “No, you can look now [around the training ground] and everyone is together. I think what may look like a division is just because of the language barrier.

“I think that would happen if English people went over to Italy. If you saw someone who spoke English you’d think ‘thank God for that, I’ll go speak to him’. You don’t want to make yourself look like an idiot. It would be like me trying to speak Italian to these guys, I wouldn’t do it.

“So people have their cliques because certain players speak Italian and others speak Spanish, it happens everywhere.

“There are no divisions. We all wanted the same goal but I think it was a case of some people wanting to go one way and others wanting to go another way. It’s been a bit misconstrued along the way.”

Deeney followed last season’s 20 goals in all competitions with 25 this time around, despite only netting once in 11 games during a run where he admits he went away from the ugly side of the game too much.

As a 25-year-old Englishman who has scored 20 goals in the last two seasons, Deeney has already been linked with moves away from Watford. The club are expecting offers this summer.

Deeney said: “I can’t affect what happens. I want to do the testing days [before the summer break] and do what needs to be done here. I get married in 18 days (last weekend), have a honeymoon and then it’s my son’s birthday and he wants everything under the sun.

“I think we’re back in on June 23 and I go where I am told. I don’t think the transfer window opens until July 1 so I’ll definitely be here a week,” he said laughing.

“But it’s something that the club would have to answer. I am happy and everyone can see I’m happy. If the club gets a good offer they’ll sell me, if not they won’t.”

“If nobody bids for me then I won’t say I want to leave because nobody wants me,” he added.

Comments (21)

"There was a sense that some of the players didn’t care enough in the final three games and Deeney said: “I do get frustrated because people have spent good money to watch."
Name and shame please Troy.

"There was a sense that some of the players didn’t care enough in the final three games and Deeney said: “I do get frustrated because people have spent good money to watch."
Name and shame please Troy.Big Cliff was King

Big Cliff was King wrote:
&quot;There was a sense that some of the players didn’t care enough in the final three games and Deeney said: “I do get frustrated because people have spent good money to watch."
Name and shame please Troy.

Bad idea.

[quote][p][bold]Big Cliff was King[/bold] wrote:
"There was a sense that some of the players didn’t care enough in the final three games and Deeney said: “I do get frustrated because people have spent good money to watch."
Name and shame please Troy.[/p][/quote]Bad idea.Harry's Bar

How refreshingly honest for an interview to contain humour, balance and a strong sense of opinion, without resorting to idiotic preaching about being too good for Watford, or pledging himself to the club. I was pretty convinced he was off by the way he threw two pairs of boots into the crowd, but if Danny comes back and Troy hangs around, well, who knows. Whatever happens, Deeney deserves the chance to give the top flight a go, whether it's now or in a season... ;)

How refreshingly honest for an interview to contain humour, balance and a strong sense of opinion, without resorting to idiotic preaching about being too good for Watford, or pledging himself to the club. I was pretty convinced he was off by the way he threw two pairs of boots into the crowd, but if Danny comes back and Troy hangs around, well, who knows. Whatever happens, Deeney deserves the chance to give the top flight a go, whether it's now or in a season... ;)mellow yellow

Somehow I always kind of knew Deeney would be special for us - from probably the beginning of Dyche's season. Something about his work ethic.

What a player he's turned out to be for us. Loyal to the very end. I really hope he stays and I really hope he's the one that sends us to the Premier League!

Somehow I always kind of knew Deeney would be special for us - from probably the beginning of Dyche's season. Something about his work ethic.
What a player he's turned out to be for us. Loyal to the very end. I really hope he stays and I really hope he's the one that sends us to the Premier League!The Skeptical Optimist

I frequently visit this site and take in all " breaking news " regarding " the orn's " and i always read the comments posted by the fans, most passionate and honest, some complete drivel. This is, however, the first time that I have had the time, energy and inclination to comment on any written article.

Most simply - Troy Deeney is Watford FC.

He epitomises everything that we, the loyal fans, want to see and relate to as one of our heroes wearing the famous golden shirt. Maybe I wouldn't have written this when it was apparent that our big signing, when we paid cash, was looking at a stretch inside due to a conflict in his home town which has happened to many of us without the status and spotlight that is cast upon a man even when they are contracted to a small club like Watford.

In considering the above I truly find it remarkable that this man, along with the clubs backing, came back with the positive mental attitude to ensure that he proved a point, not to anybody else, but himself.

People will comment that these players earn so much and they are spoilt etc etc. These players are, and always will be, human living breathing people that live a life day by day making good and bad decisions along the way. We all judge people on based on their actions and attitude but we surely respect someone more if you can see that they have learnt from their mistakes they made they day before?

My admiration for Troy Deeney began when I sat in the front row during the pre season game at Peterborough United during mid week. I attended and persuaded my Dad to join me as this is a very local fixture for me. Prior to kick off I sat at the front of the stand, taking in the last rays sunshine, and watching our beaten play off finalists, with a few additions, warm up on the pitch. In reality this was the first time since Wembley I had any interest in our side. Must admit, didn't take the defeat to Holloway very well all summer!

What do I remember from this pre season match? Troy Deeney taking every opportunity to sign shirts, have photos taken and interact with the kids that were at the match. After the game, when the bus was waiting and some players headed straight to their comfy seats, Troy was there with the fans - young, old and some strange - interacting and conversing intelligently and amiably.

Watford Football Club will always move, develop, grow and evolve as a club that we all love but there are few times when players come along that are the definition of " our club ". I honestly believe that Troy is one of the few players that has connected with us, Watford FC, as a club, community and fan base. No doubt TD9 will be subject of many enquiries this summer and, if the move is right for both parties, we will go our separate ways and wish each other well.

Times are changing and moving forward as ever, Troy, good luck with your wedding and I wish you all the happiness with your family in the future. Ultimately though, I type this message hoping you are part of Watford's future. Together we go hand in hand and you are Watford FC.

I frequently visit this site and take in all " breaking news " regarding " the orn's " and i always read the comments posted by the fans, most passionate and honest, some complete drivel. This is, however, the first time that I have had the time, energy and inclination to comment on any written article.
Most simply - Troy Deeney is Watford FC.
He epitomises everything that we, the loyal fans, want to see and relate to as one of our heroes wearing the famous golden shirt. Maybe I wouldn't have written this when it was apparent that our big signing, when we paid cash, was looking at a stretch inside due to a conflict in his home town which has happened to many of us without the status and spotlight that is cast upon a man even when they are contracted to a small club like Watford.
In considering the above I truly find it remarkable that this man, along with the clubs backing, came back with the positive mental attitude to ensure that he proved a point, not to anybody else, but himself.
People will comment that these players earn so much and they are spoilt etc etc. These players are, and always will be, human living breathing people that live a life day by day making good and bad decisions along the way. We all judge people on based on their actions and attitude but we surely respect someone more if you can see that they have learnt from their mistakes they made they day before?
My admiration for Troy Deeney began when I sat in the front row during the pre season game at Peterborough United during mid week. I attended and persuaded my Dad to join me as this is a very local fixture for me. Prior to kick off I sat at the front of the stand, taking in the last rays sunshine, and watching our beaten play off finalists, with a few additions, warm up on the pitch. In reality this was the first time since Wembley I had any interest in our side. Must admit, didn't take the defeat to Holloway very well all summer!
What do I remember from this pre season match? Troy Deeney taking every opportunity to sign shirts, have photos taken and interact with the kids that were at the match. After the game, when the bus was waiting and some players headed straight to their comfy seats, Troy was there with the fans - young, old and some strange - interacting and conversing intelligently and amiably.
Watford Football Club will always move, develop, grow and evolve as a club that we all love but there are few times when players come along that are the definition of " our club ". I honestly believe that Troy is one of the few players that has connected with us, Watford FC, as a club, community and fan base. No doubt TD9 will be subject of many enquiries this summer and, if the move is right for both parties, we will go our separate ways and wish each other well.
Times are changing and moving forward as ever, Troy, good luck with your wedding and I wish you all the happiness with your family in the future. Ultimately though, I type this message hoping you are part of Watford's future. Together we go hand in hand and you are Watford FC.rookerysteve

rookerysteve wrote:
I frequently visit this site and take in all &quot; breaking news " regarding " the orn's " and i always read the comments posted by the fans, most passionate and honest, some complete drivel. This is, however, the first time that I have had the time, energy and inclination to comment on any written article.

Most simply - Troy Deeney is Watford FC.

He epitomises everything that we, the loyal fans, want to see and relate to as one of our heroes wearing the famous golden shirt. Maybe I wouldn't have written this when it was apparent that our big signing, when we paid cash, was looking at a stretch inside due to a conflict in his home town which has happened to many of us without the status and spotlight that is cast upon a man even when they are contracted to a small club like Watford.

In considering the above I truly find it remarkable that this man, along with the clubs backing, came back with the positive mental attitude to ensure that he proved a point, not to anybody else, but himself.

People will comment that these players earn so much and they are spoilt etc etc. These players are, and always will be, human living breathing people that live a life day by day making good and bad decisions along the way. We all judge people on based on their actions and attitude but we surely respect someone more if you can see that they have learnt from their mistakes they made they day before?

My admiration for Troy Deeney began when I sat in the front row during the pre season game at Peterborough United during mid week. I attended and persuaded my Dad to join me as this is a very local fixture for me. Prior to kick off I sat at the front of the stand, taking in the last rays sunshine, and watching our beaten play off finalists, with a few additions, warm up on the pitch. In reality this was the first time since Wembley I had any interest in our side. Must admit, didn't take the defeat to Holloway very well all summer!

What do I remember from this pre season match? Troy Deeney taking every opportunity to sign shirts, have photos taken and interact with the kids that were at the match. After the game, when the bus was waiting and some players headed straight to their comfy seats, Troy was there with the fans - young, old and some strange - interacting and conversing intelligently and amiably.

Watford Football Club will always move, develop, grow and evolve as a club that we all love but there are few times when players come along that are the definition of " our club ". I honestly believe that Troy is one of the few players that has connected with us, Watford FC, as a club, community and fan base. No doubt TD9 will be subject of many enquiries this summer and, if the move is right for both parties, we will go our separate ways and wish each other well.

Times are changing and moving forward as ever, Troy, good luck with your wedding and I wish you all the happiness with your family in the future. Ultimately though, I type this message hoping you are part of Watford's future. Together we go hand in hand and you are Watford FC.

Well said, sir.

[quote][p][bold]rookerysteve[/bold] wrote:
I frequently visit this site and take in all " breaking news " regarding " the orn's " and i always read the comments posted by the fans, most passionate and honest, some complete drivel. This is, however, the first time that I have had the time, energy and inclination to comment on any written article.
Most simply - Troy Deeney is Watford FC.
He epitomises everything that we, the loyal fans, want to see and relate to as one of our heroes wearing the famous golden shirt. Maybe I wouldn't have written this when it was apparent that our big signing, when we paid cash, was looking at a stretch inside due to a conflict in his home town which has happened to many of us without the status and spotlight that is cast upon a man even when they are contracted to a small club like Watford.
In considering the above I truly find it remarkable that this man, along with the clubs backing, came back with the positive mental attitude to ensure that he proved a point, not to anybody else, but himself.
People will comment that these players earn so much and they are spoilt etc etc. These players are, and always will be, human living breathing people that live a life day by day making good and bad decisions along the way. We all judge people on based on their actions and attitude but we surely respect someone more if you can see that they have learnt from their mistakes they made they day before?
My admiration for Troy Deeney began when I sat in the front row during the pre season game at Peterborough United during mid week. I attended and persuaded my Dad to join me as this is a very local fixture for me. Prior to kick off I sat at the front of the stand, taking in the last rays sunshine, and watching our beaten play off finalists, with a few additions, warm up on the pitch. In reality this was the first time since Wembley I had any interest in our side. Must admit, didn't take the defeat to Holloway very well all summer!
What do I remember from this pre season match? Troy Deeney taking every opportunity to sign shirts, have photos taken and interact with the kids that were at the match. After the game, when the bus was waiting and some players headed straight to their comfy seats, Troy was there with the fans - young, old and some strange - interacting and conversing intelligently and amiably.
Watford Football Club will always move, develop, grow and evolve as a club that we all love but there are few times when players come along that are the definition of " our club ". I honestly believe that Troy is one of the few players that has connected with us, Watford FC, as a club, community and fan base. No doubt TD9 will be subject of many enquiries this summer and, if the move is right for both parties, we will go our separate ways and wish each other well.
Times are changing and moving forward as ever, Troy, good luck with your wedding and I wish you all the happiness with your family in the future. Ultimately though, I type this message hoping you are part of Watford's future. Together we go hand in hand and you are Watford FC.[/p][/quote]Well said, sir.mellow yellow

Big Cliff was King wrote:
&quot;There was a sense that some of the players didn’t care enough in the final three games and Deeney said: “I do get frustrated because people have spent good money to watch."
Name and shame please Troy.

Bad idea.

So lets get this straight. We are all happy that the players in the team that produced such a dreadful performance on the last day of the season who, in the words of Troy do not "give a ****" should remain nameless. That means they don't give a **** about you folks.

[quote][p][bold]Harry's Bar[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Big Cliff was King[/bold] wrote:
"There was a sense that some of the players didn’t care enough in the final three games and Deeney said: “I do get frustrated because people have spent good money to watch."
Name and shame please Troy.[/p][/quote]Bad idea.[/p][/quote]So lets get this straight. We are all happy that the players in the team that produced such a dreadful performance on the last day of the season who, in the words of Troy do not "give a ****" should remain nameless. That means they don't give a **** about you folks.Big Cliff was King

Big Cliff was King wrote:
&quot;There was a sense that some of the players didn’t care enough in the final three games and Deeney said: “I do get frustrated because people have spent good money to watch."
Name and shame please Troy.

Bad idea.

So lets get this straight. We are all happy that the players in the team that produced such a dreadful performance on the last day of the season who, in the words of Troy do not "give a ****" should remain nameless. That means they don't give a **** about you folks.

It's a bad idea because if Deeney says it, he instantly becomes hated by the rest of the squad...

It's a bad idea because it would be a massive PR error for the club - a really unprofessional blunder hinting at lack of team unity and low morale.

It's a bad idea because it would start a fan-based lynch-mob with regard to the players named.

It's a bad idea because Deeney's perspective may not be entirely representative of absolute truth - he might let personal prejudices get in the way, whether intentionally or not, or simply prioritise the wrong names through ignorance.

It's a bad idea because the fans might hear names that we maybe don't really want to hear - people who had been key to our success and just lost heart at the end when we had little to play for.

That enough reasons yet?

[quote][p][bold]Big Cliff was King[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Harry's Bar[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Big Cliff was King[/bold] wrote:
"There was a sense that some of the players didn’t care enough in the final three games and Deeney said: “I do get frustrated because people have spent good money to watch."
Name and shame please Troy.[/p][/quote]Bad idea.[/p][/quote]So lets get this straight. We are all happy that the players in the team that produced such a dreadful performance on the last day of the season who, in the words of Troy do not "give a ****" should remain nameless. That means they don't give a **** about you folks.[/p][/quote]It's a bad idea because if Deeney says it, he instantly becomes hated by the rest of the squad...
It's a bad idea because it would be a massive PR error for the club - a really unprofessional blunder hinting at lack of team unity and low morale.
It's a bad idea because it would start a fan-based lynch-mob with regard to the players named.
It's a bad idea because Deeney's perspective may not be entirely representative of absolute truth - he might let personal prejudices get in the way, whether intentionally or not, or simply prioritise the wrong names through ignorance.
It's a bad idea because the fans might hear names that we maybe don't really want to hear - people who had been key to our success and just lost heart at the end when we had little to play for.
That enough reasons yet?The Skeptical Optimist

Big Cliff was King wrote:
&quot;There was a sense that some of the players didn’t care enough in the final three games and Deeney said: “I do get frustrated because people have spent good money to watch."
Name and shame please Troy.

Bad idea.

So lets get this straight. We are all happy that the players in the team that produced such a dreadful performance on the last day of the season who, in the words of Troy do not "give a ****" should remain nameless. That means they don't give a **** about you folks.

They won't be nameless in the Dressing Room and that's where some things should stay. Publicly criticising other players by name won't help anyone.

[quote][p][bold]Big Cliff was King[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Harry's Bar[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Big Cliff was King[/bold] wrote:
"There was a sense that some of the players didn’t care enough in the final three games and Deeney said: “I do get frustrated because people have spent good money to watch."
Name and shame please Troy.[/p][/quote]Bad idea.[/p][/quote]So lets get this straight. We are all happy that the players in the team that produced such a dreadful performance on the last day of the season who, in the words of Troy do not "give a ****" should remain nameless. That means they don't give a **** about you folks.[/p][/quote]They won't be nameless in the Dressing Room and that's where some things should stay. Publicly criticising other players by name won't help anyone.Harry's Bar

Looks like TD is not itching for a move, he has not slapped a transfer request so that side is positive but if a great offer comes in i think its the Watford way to sell....what is a great offer for a great home grown player who scores 20+ goals a season...i hope he stays.

Looks like TD is not itching for a move, he has not slapped a transfer request so that side is positive but if a great offer comes in i think its the Watford way to sell....what is a great offer for a great home grown player who scores 20+ goals a season...i hope he stays.bornyellow

Big Cliff was King wrote:
&quot;There was a sense that some of the players didn’t care enough in the final three games and Deeney said: “I do get frustrated because people have spent good money to watch."
Name and shame please Troy.

Bad idea.

So lets get this straight. We are all happy that the players in the team that produced such a dreadful performance on the last day of the season who, in the words of Troy do not "give a ****" should remain nameless. That means they don't give a **** about you folks.

They won't be nameless in the Dressing Room and that's where some things should stay. Publicly criticising other players by name won't help anyone.

You are right of course but it would be nice to know who is stealing our money.

[quote][p][bold]Harry's Bar[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Big Cliff was King[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Harry's Bar[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Big Cliff was King[/bold] wrote:
"There was a sense that some of the players didn’t care enough in the final three games and Deeney said: “I do get frustrated because people have spent good money to watch."
Name and shame please Troy.[/p][/quote]Bad idea.[/p][/quote]So lets get this straight. We are all happy that the players in the team that produced such a dreadful performance on the last day of the season who, in the words of Troy do not "give a ****" should remain nameless. That means they don't give a **** about you folks.[/p][/quote]They won't be nameless in the Dressing Room and that's where some things should stay. Publicly criticising other players by name won't help anyone.[/p][/quote]You are right of course but it would be nice to know who is stealing our money.Big Cliff was King